November 1, 1989
In this absorbing procedural, Forrest's intelligent, complex series heroine, LAPD homicide detective Kate Delafield, makes her first appearance in hardcover, investigating the Thanksgiving Day murder by strychnine poisoning of septuagenarian Owen Sinclair, a retired movie director. Suspecting a revenge killing, Kate learns that more than 30 years ago, in the '50s, Sinclair named names to the House Un-American Activities Committee, destroying countless careers and lives in Hollywood. Many of Sinclair's eccentric, film-world neighbors in his apartment building were affected by HUAC and had reason to kill him. Kate, a lesbian, is attracted to two beautiful women who are under suspicion, and as the investigation continues, she is warmly welcomed into the tenants' extended family, one of whom, she knows, is the merciless killer. In her look back at the McCarthy era, Forrest has created a restrained and compassionate portrait of a turbulent period in American history. Movie buffs as well as mystery fans will enjoy her book.